Harvest is underway for some producers around West Central according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
While the overall number still has not progressed past 0 per cent for West Central, the report did note six per cent of lentils, and five per cent peas, spring wheat, barley, and canola as harvested, but for the most part crops still need more time.
Crops Extension Specialist Tyce Masich was predicting that early harvest work would see producers taking off their winter cereals and early seeded pulse and cereals from the spring.
While some are in the fields, it's a waiting game for now thanks to the recent wet weather.
"It's hard to say because the region has had lots of rain recently, so that will definitely slow crop development, and inevitably delay harvest by a few days," said Masich, predicting that activity will pick up across the next 7-10 days. "In two weeks, harvest will really be in full swing in the area."
Some areas may be more behind the eight ball than others. The most rain in the region last week fell in the Sonningdale area at 72 mm. Wilkie was second at 59 mm, south at Conquest coming in at 40 mm, while Major and Zealandia each recorded 33 mm to round out the top 5.
Modest rainfall for the rest of the region helped everywhere improve when it comes to topsoil moisture levels. Most land is reading adequate levels, the West Central region actually offering some of the most optimal crop development conditions in the province.
The rainfall has been welcoming in terms of helping crops fill but has been a negative when it comes to development as some crops are falling behind. More rain is expected to end the week, but with temperatures consistently in the low-to-mid 20-degree range it's possible that crops could receive some much-needed heat to help with maturation.
Thankfully crop damage has been limited, with only excess moisture causing minor damage in low areas, heavy rainfall creating some lodging conditions. Localized bertha armyworms have been noticed among canola crops, but damage is so far minimal and not expected to be widespread.
While the road to harvest continues, farms will be continuing their efforts to desiccate, move grain, and service equipment prior to harvest.
It's that time of year where you might see extra farm equipment on public roads, so make sure to take extra caution to keep you, and the people who feed you safe.